Reflections on Definition and Diversity During Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

Impairment over Identity

A defining principle of CP is motor impairment, yet research shows people with CP often identify with “what is going on between the ears” and how they participate in society over their bodies. This contrasts with societal structures and services that are persistently impairment led.

What this can feel like

This can leave people with CP feeling unseen or not seen as whole.

Diversity

Another defining feature of CP is diversity, within the group itself, and even within individuals over their lifecourse. Difference is also a defining feature of being human, or the human condition. This means a blurring of boundaries between what it means to be human and what it means to live with CP. Yet social policy categorises difference, and in turn shapes the reality of people with CP.

What this can feel like

This can lead to a strange sense of belonging and feeling marked out for difference.

What Needs to be Done

Value difference as a defining feature of being human, without it we wouldn’t exist we’d be a group of AI bots.

Design and invest in flexible and responsive policy systems that prioritise meeting individual and changing requirements.